how to make period cramps better

Common Causes

Try These 10 Remedies

1. Use a heat patch. Using a heated patch or wrap on your abdomen can help relax the muscles of your uterus. ...
2. Massage your tummy with essential oils. Research suggests that some essential oils can help ease period cramps when massaged onto the abdomen, especially when used in a blend of ...
3. Take an OTC pain reliever. ...
4. Exercise. ...
5. Soak in a tub. ...
6. Do yoga. ...

More items...

Related Conditions

How to stop your periods once it starts

• Breastfeeding. For lactating mothers, the easiest way to stop your period once it starts it to breastfeed. ...
• Having sex. According to the health line, having an orgasm either through sexual intercourse or masturbation can help reduce menstrual flows and cramps.
• Exercise regularly. ...
• Increase vitamin c intake. ...

What is the best natural remedy for menstrual cramps?

The best natural methods

• Heat pads. If you want to avoid medication completely, a heat treatment may be your best option. ...
• Exercise. “When I have cramps, I love going for a run,” said no one — probably ever. ...
• Magnesium. “In my clinical practice, I recommend women aim for 300 mg nightly of magnesium bysglicinate to help alleviate menstrual cramps,” says Brighten.
• Diet. ...

How to get rid of period cramps instantly?

5 Foods to eat to fight back period cramps

1. Leafy Greens-. Leafy green vegetables are high in iron, which your body lacks during your period due to blood loss.
2. Salmon-. Fish such as salmon and tuna are good sources of lean protein because they are low in calories and the fat they do have is beneficial to the ...
3. Chamomile Tea-. Chamomile tea is an excellent remedy for menstrual cramps. ...
4. Avocado-. ...

What helps period cramps go away faster?

What foods relieve period cramps?

How do I get rid of period cramps fast?

How to relieve period cramps fast at homeApply heat. "Heat can help relax the muscles contributing to cramping, so applying heat to your abdomen or back can help relieve your pain," says Dr. Borchardt. ... Take a pain reliever. ... Exercise. ... Take steps to reduce stress. ... Get your vitamins and minerals.

What position helps Period cramps?

Sleep in the fetal position: If you're normally a back or stomach sleeper, try rolling to your side and tucking in your arms and legs. This position takes pressure off your abdominal muscles and is the best sleeping position to relieve tension that can make cramping worse.

Why does period cramp hurt so much?

Without oxygen, the tissues in your womb release chemicals that trigger pain. While your body is releasing these pain-triggering chemicals, it's also producing other chemicals called prostaglandins. These encourage the womb muscles to contract more, further increasing the level of pain.

Why are periods so painful?

During your menstrual period, your uterus contracts to help expel its lining. Hormonelike substances (prostaglandins) involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more-severe menstrual cramps.

Does lying on your stomach help period cramps?

Sleeping in the foetal position can help ease cramps and period pain, by reducing pressure on the abdominal muscles. Sleeping on your back or on your side, such as in the recovery position can also be helpful. However, sleeping your stomach is not recommended.

Does standing help period cramps?

Standing up can ease the blood circulation your body. For the forward fold pose, you need to stand up and bend your upper body towards your toes. You can hold your elbows by your hands. The forward fold pose can help to ease the pain behind the neck area and makes blood circulation easier.

What is the best position to sleep on your period?

In fact, we asked a few experts about the best way to sleep when you're on your period, and they unanimously agreed on one position: the fetal position. "Sleeping in the fetal position takes pressure off the abdominal muscles," explains Lisa Lindley, M.D., board-certified gynecologist with Eisenhower Women's Health.

How do you stop period cramps at school?

Here are some things you can try: 1) make sure to get plenty of calcium on a regular basis (three low-fat servings a day) will help your cramps be less of a pain, 2) exercise both on and off your period helps lessen pain, 3) try taking ibuprofen (as long as you are not allergic and have your parents' approval; be sure ...

How to stop cramps from getting worse?

Stress may make cramps worse. Use stress relief techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga or your own favorite way to relieve stress. If you’re not sure how to relieve stress, try guided imagery. Simply close your eyes, take a deep breath and imagine a calm, safe place that’s significant to you. Stay focused on this space for at least a few minutes while you take slow, deep breaths.

How does birth control help with cramps?

Birth control can stop period pain if cramps are caused by a hormone imbalance. Balancing your levels of estrogen and progesterone helps thin the uterine lining so it sheds more easily. Hormonal birth control also regulates the length and frequency of your period. Some forms of birth control can completely alleviate period cramps by stopping your period altogether. Talk to your OB-GYN about birth control options, including the pill, birth control shot or hormonal IUD. Then, you’ll be able to choose the type of birth control that works best for you.

What causes cysts in the ovaries?

Many women develop at least one small cyst every month that naturally fades. However, some women have multiple or large ovarian cysts which can cause pain or complications. In these cases, medical treatment might be needed to manage the cysts. Ovarian cysts can also be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is a condition where a hormone imbalance causes many small, harmless cysts to grow in the ovaries. This can cause painful periods, difficulty getting pregnant, insulin resistance and other health concerns. Symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, excess hair on the face and body, weight gain, difficulty losing weight, acne and thinning hair on the head. A doctor can prescribe treatments that help manage PCOS symptoms.

How does acupressure help you relax?

Some people find relief with alternative medicine practices like acupuncture and acupressure. Acupuncture is a practice that stimulates the body by placing needles in the skin. Acupressure stimulates the body without needles by putting pressure on certain points of the body. These practices can help you relax, release muscle tension and improve blood flow throughout your body.

What is the cause of PMS?

Doctors think PMS is caused by estrogen and progesterone levels dipping before the beginning of each period. PMS has many symptoms including fatigue, irritability and menstrual cramps.

What is the best tea for cramps?

Drinking chamomile, fennel or ginger tea is an easy, natural way to relieve menstrual cramps. Plus, herbal teas can have other benefits like stress relief and helping with insomnia.

Where does the endometrium grow?

The uterine lining, also known as the endometrium, grows inside the uterus. But if you have endometriosis, your endometrium grows outside the uterus, usually in other parts of your reproductive organs like the ovaries or fallopian tubes. When your body tries to shed uterine tissue during your period, the endometrium growing outside the uterus has nowhere to go. It can become trapped in the body. This can cause painful cramps, heavy bleeding, irritation and inflammation. Luckily, most cases of endometriosis can be well managed with medicines and procedures.

What Are Period Cramps?

What does it feel like to have period cramps? It’s often described as a cramping or constant ache in the lower belly and lower back back. The intensity varies; some women don’t experience cramps or they’re very mild, while for other women, it can be painful enough that normal day-to-day activities are affected.

What causes cramps during period?

What causes period cramps? During menstruation, the uterus contracts as it gets rid of the lining — that’s what the blood is. The contractions are what cause the cramping. That’s normal cramping, anyway. Other conditions, like endometriosis and adenomyosis, can also trigger period cramps.

What herbs help with cramps?

Herbs can be a terrific menstrual cramps remedy. Here are some that I suggest to help with period cramps relief. Vitex/chasteberry: This fruit produces an herb that’s great for both PMS and period cramps. It works by helping to balance hormones, possibly lessening symptoms.

How to get rid of cramps with olive oil?

If you’re wondering how to get rid of period cramps with olive oil, it’s easy. Try it with your salad or, as the researchers suggested, as a food supplement. 4. Try fish oil supplements. When it comes to figuring out how to get rid of period cramps, those omega-3 fatty acids strike again.

How does yoga help with periods?

( 6) It’s likely that yoga nidra’s ability to put you in relaxation mode is the reason it’s so effective: when that happens, your breathing slows and you consume less oxygen. If your local studio doesn’t offer yoga nidra, even lying in bed with a meditation app going can help. ( 7)

What oil to use for period pain?

Cumin: This oil is super versatile and while you may be more used to cumin as a spice, it’s excellent during your period. It has anti-spasmodic properties, which can take the sting out of the cramps and pain that come with your period. Place three drops on your abdomen or wherever you’re in pain.

How to get rid of anxiety during period?

If anxiety or depression brought on by your period is making it difficult to unwind, try meditation, journaling or reading in bed — skip the electronics though, which can tell your brain it’s time to stay awake. Using a heating pad or rearranging pillows around your back can help with period pain while in bed, too. If you still can’t sleep, try giving these 20 tips to sleep better a whirl.

How to get rid of period pain?

Using a heating pad or soaking in a warm bath are great ways to ease period pain, but you can also use heating patches if you're looking for a discrete, on-the-go way to get relief.

What to do if you have a period and it hurts?

She or he will ask you about your symptoms and cycle and can recommend lifestyle changes that may help ease your pain, as well as perform a pelvic exam and prescribe medications, if needed.

Can periods cause cramps?

But periods also come with symptoms ranging from annoying to painful, including cramps.

Does exercise help with pain?

Plus, exercise is also a great way to reduce stress — which also happens to affect how you feel pain.

How to stop cramps during period?

Try a magnesium supplement. Magnesium can help relax your muscles and reduce the pain of period cramps. It may also relieve other symptoms, like bloating and anxiety. Talk to your doctor about taking a magnesium supplement, and ask them to recommend the best dose for you.

What is the best medication for menstrual cramps?

Some pain medications, such as Pamprin or Midol, are designed for the specific purpose of relieving menstrual cramps and other menstrual pain. Many of these medications contain a combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and other medications, such as antihistamines. Take only the recommended dosage on the bottle.

How to get rid of cramps in the middle of the day?

Do cardio exercise like running, swimming, and biking throughout the month. Add weight training to your routine, since it strengthens your muscles and improves overall health. While you're actually feeling cramps, lighter exercises like yoga or walking can help your cramps go away. 3.

What is cramming in school?

Cramping that forces you to stay in bed rather than going to school, work, or completing your regular activities.

How to relax a tight muscle?

Another great way to relax a tight muscle is to massage it. Place your hand over the area that hurts and gently press down. Knead the area for several minutes. Try to keep your body as relaxed as possible during the process.

Can cramps be avoided during menstruation?

Many people suffer from cramps during their menstrual period. Cramps can range from mildly uncomfortable to downright debilitating. There's no way to entirely avoid them, but it's possible to reduce cramps and make them more manageable and less severe.

Do endorphins help with mood?

Those endorphins will not only relieve your pain, but they can also help boost your mood if you have the hormonal blues.

How to stop cramps during period?

When your period is coming, keep a water bottle handy, and toss in some mint or a squeeze of lemon to encourage you to drink.

How to get rid of period pain?

Exercise releases brain chemicals called endorphins that make you feel good. So take a walk, jump on the treadmill, or go for a swim! Swipe to advance.

How to get rid of pain in your belly?

Touching key places on your belly, back, and feet can increase blood flow and release endorphins to soothe both your body and mind for a little while. There's also a spot in the fleshy part between your thumb and index finger that relieves aches and pain.

What is the best medicine for cramps?

Black cohosh, chasteberry, cramp bark, and turmeric have been traditionally used for pain. Evening primrose oil has also been found to help some women with cramps, but the scientific evidence isn't strong. Check with your doctor before you make a tea with any of these or take a supplement.

What essential oils are good for cramps?

Women who began rubbing a cream with a blend of lavender, clary sage, and marjoram oils on their abdomens after their period had cramps for less time during their next one. These essential oils have pain-killing compounds.

What are the best supplements for cramps?

Nutrients such as vitamins E, B1, and B6, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids cut back on the hormone-like substances responsible for those painful cramps or help relieve muscle tension and inflammation.

How to calm your mind and body?

Treat Yourself to a Bath. Fill the tub, add some bubbles, and settle in with your favorite magazine or book (and your rubber ducky). The warm water will help calm your muscles and your mind.

Can't go to work cramps?

Whether you have mildly painful or traumatizing, can’t-go-to-work cramps, there are some easy ways to deal with them. We tell you a few ways to help get rid of period cramps. Some of ] Those dreaded period cramps doesn’t necessarily have to take over your life on the first day or two days of your period. Whether you have mildly painful ...

Does massaging your tummy help?

Yes, massaging your tummy can help relax your muscles and lessen the pain. Do it yourself or ask your beau to lend a helping hand. Gentle, circular motions and strokes across your abdomen can relieve the pain and help relax you.

How to get rid of cramps every month?

Get crampy every month without fail? Strategise by taking your pain relief tablets before the contractions usually strike. Taking paracetamol, ibuprofen or similar pre-emptively can reduce symptoms before they even happen, leaving you free to get on with, ya'know, everything that doesn't stop just because you're bleeding.

What to eat when you're on your period?

2. Eat (dark) chocolate. It's not a myth! Chocolate is good for you when you're on your period, but only when it's the 70% cocoa kind. Not only does it encourage your body to release endorphins, to improve your mood, dark chocolate is high in magnesium, a mineral that's often associated with easing cramps.

What foods can you eat during your period?

Eating foods like red meat, beans, spinach and fortified cereals will rebalance your iron levels, boost your energy and stop you from getting anemic.

How to keep your stomach flat during your period?

Cutting out salt, as well as drinking plenty of water to flush out your system, will keep your stomach as flat as it's possible for it to be whilst the red devil is in your belly. Giphy. 7. Press the pain away. Some women report amazing success using pressure points to tackle period pain.

Is alcohol bad for your period?

Not forever, we're not monsters – just when you period is still in town. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning your PMS symptoms might be worse, and it's harder to deal with a hangover when you're feeling hormonal too. It also dehydrates you, aaand it makes you more likely to indulge in unhealthy, salty foods like takeaways, which we've already established are opt-outs.

Is it healthy to eat fruit during your period?

It's always a good idea to eat fruit and veg – it's just that it's an especially good idea during your period. Bananas in particular are rich in vitamin B6 and potassium, which, like chocolate, reduces cramps, but also helps with that Michelin-man-esque bloating that most of us can't shift.

Does hot water help with cramps?

Most people know that a hot water bottle can soothe cramps, but many don't bother because they underestimate the difference it can make. Research shows that the application of heat can 'actually deactivate the pain at a molecular level' – much in the same way as painkillers do.